Upon their return to the Ashborne family, Alaric Ashborne promptly summoned Lyra and Velgrim to welcome them back.
"Lyra, Velgrim, you’ve both changed so much since you left," Alaric said, marveling at his two children. "Especially you, Velgrim. I never expected you’d reach the Third Aura Circle in just a few months. That’s an incredible achievement," he added with admiration.
Velgrim lowered his head slightly. "Apologies, my lord. We failed to gain admission to the academy. We were unable to prove ourselves—it’s a significant disappointment for the Ashborne family."
Alaric considered his words. "Hmm… don’t worry. The fact that you’ve both already reached the Third Aura Circle is impressive. Even your older siblings didn’t advance so far in their first year at the academy."
"Thank you, my lord," Lyra responded gratefully.
"You may leave now," Alaric said with a nod.
As they walked away, Alaric’s mind lingered on their interaction. They didn’t call me 'Father,' but 'my lord,' as though they took my praise as the head of the family, not as their father. Prideful, aren’t they? Interesting… Lyra, Velgrim.
Later that evening, Alaric surprised everyone by inviting the entire family to dinner—an unusual occurrence for the Ashborne household.
As Velgrim was on his way to the dinner, he crossed paths with Seraphine, his eldest sister. She stopped and gave him a challenging look.
"Congratulations, Velgrim. But don’t get too comfortable. You’re already on Celeste’s list of targets to bring down. Do you understand?" she warned.
"Don’t worry, elder sister. I have no intentions of becoming the next Patriarch," Velgrim replied calmly and continued on his way.
Hmm… then why is he so determined to grow stronger? I can see it in his eyes—his strength isn’t enough for him. Why? Interesting things are coming for the Ashborne family, Seraphine thought as she watched him go.
At the dinner, Alaric rose from his seat and commanded attention.
“Now that everyone is here, I have something important to announce. Caden and Cyra are currently on their own missions to prove themselves and establish their own names. I have something to add,” Alaric said, pausing as he looked at his gathered children.
The room fell silent, except for Celeste. “Father—no, my lord—are you referring to Lyra and Velgrim? But, my lord, they haven’t even graduated from the academy yet. You want them to…” Celeste’s voice trailed off as Alaric released a powerful aura, silencing him.
"Celeste," Alaric’s voice was cold. "How disrespectful. I wasn’t finished speaking."
“My apologies, my lord,” Celeste replied, bowing his head.
“Lyra and Velgrim have already shown they are worthy of such an opportunity—or am I mistaken?” Alaric asked, challenging the room.
No one dared to answer, and after a moment, Alaric continued, "Lyra, Velgrim, I will give you five days to prepare for your departure. You may leave earlier if you wish."
The dinner concluded, and everyone left the room. Celeste, seething with resentment, couldn’t accept what had happened. Calling forth one of the assassins he had personally trained to help him secure the title of Patriarch, he whispered, “Celeste, come forth. When Velgrim and Lyra leave on their mission, do whatever it takes to ensure they do not return.”
“Yes, my lord,” one of the assassins responded with a cold voice.
I won’t let you steal Father’s attention, Celeste thought darkly. I am the rightful next leader of the Ashborne family, and anyone who stands in my way will perish.
YOU ARE READING
Twilights of the Gods
Fantasy"Centuries ago, the battle mage who dared to challenge the gods was sealed away in eternal darkness, his name erased from history. But prophecies whispered of his return, and now, after ages of imprisonment, he has been reborn in a world dominated b...
